The Petspiration Foundation hosted its National Pet Adoption Month (NPAM) during March, helping 828 rescue pets across Australia find homes.
NPAM saw over 220 PETstock stores, along with local rescue groups, participate in the initiative encouraging Australians to adopt different as increasing living costs, inflation, access to housing, and natural disasters are leading to the surrender of pets.
Vickie Davy, Founder and Director of PetRescue, said she is seeing great dogs coming into rescue care and ready for a new home, even if some training is needed.
“The fact is that only a small percentage of pets are surrendered due to their behaviour which – like any animal – can be negated through dedicated training.”
Dr Kate Mornement, Animal Behaviourist, said many rescue pets have been house pets in the past and are already toilet trained with basic manners and just need to have existing desired behaviours reinforced and built on.
“Less than 10 per cent of animals are surrendered for behavioural reasons. These issues can be addressed in the shelter or foster home with the use of positive reinforcement training and good management. Often, when the animal is matched to a more suitable home, the problem behaviour resolves.
“I also encourage would-be rescue pet owners not to be put off by a large dog because you think it will need more exercise, as it is very much dependent on the breed, age, and individual personality of the dog. For those concerned about being in the office and leaving their pet, a bonded pair could be the answer as they have each other for company.”
Since its inception in 2007, the Petspiration Foundation has found homes for more than 20,000 rescue pets.
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